Ukrainian in Mass. admits ivory smuggling plot

A Ukrainian man has been sentenced in federal court in Massachusetts after admitting to a plot to smuggle sperm whale ivory into and out of the United States.

BOSTON – A Ukrainian man has been sentenced in federal court in Massachusetts after admitting to a plot to smuggle sperm whale ivory into and out of the United States.

Thirty-nine-year-old Andriy Mikhalyov of Odessa, Ukraine, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to buy, sell and smuggle sperm whale teeth. He was sentenced to time incarcerated since his arrest, a period of more than nine months.

Sperm whale are an endangered species. The teeth are used in making scrimshaw, in which the ivory is etched to create a piece of art. Authorities said the case should help deter others from preying on endangered and threatened species.

Co-defendant Charles Manghis of Nantucket, a commercial artist, was convicted last year. He is awaiting sentencing.